As a part of your child’s educational experience at Thursby School, we aim to promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive taught programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education that gives children and young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live healthy, safe, productive and fulfilled lives, both now and in the future.

The Department for Education announced changes to relationships and sex education following nationwide consultation which came into effect in September 2020. All schools are required to comply with the updated requirements. 

The statutory guidance focuses on healthy relationships and keeping children safe in the modern world. It also covers a wide range of topics relating to physical and mental health, wellbeing, safeguarding and healthy relationships.

Learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up will give children and young people the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships and help them take responsibility for their own well-being.

The statutory guidance can be found on  <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education>

Please view our PSHE Policy on our 'Key Information' section and scroll down to 'Policies'

Our curriculum progression map on the website under the 'curriculum' section details within PSHE the Sex and Relationships progression from EYFS to Year 6. Please view this at any time and contact school if you have any queries relating to the content that is being taught for your child. 

We consulted with parents in the summer of 2020 ready for the implementation of the new requirements. 

As part of this curriculum area, we also consult annually with parents of children in class 4 or anyone about to join class 4 on the specific areas of sex and relationships we teach. Whilst this curriculum area is statutory, there may be times parents can withdraw from certain aspects. Through the consultation, all parents are given the option to discuss with the school the areas of sex education they will learn about and discuss any reasons for withdrawal. 

The last consultation letter was sent to parents in May 2023.

Any new pupils arriving after this date will be given the same consultation letter and an opportunity to discuss any queries with the school. 

Celebrating Diversity at Thursby 

At Thursby School we celebrate differences and the diversity of children and families. 

Under the Equality Act (2010) we have a legal obligation to promote understanding of equality and challenge prejudice. This is in line with both of inclusiveness of Thursby School for all children and families. 

During Summer term 2021 we took part in School Diversity week organised by the charity Just Like Us (justlikeus.org) with the support of the Department of Education.  Our whole school have enjoyed 'Diversity Day' and came to school wearing clothes and having hairstyles that matched their individuality. The day celebrated how we all are different and everyone is included and valued as children and staff wore their 'rainbow colours'. 

Across each class lessons supported learning about famous or inspirational people, who have diverse life experiences, including those from LGBTQ+ community. As always, this day is led at age appropriateness. Nursery and Reception and Key Stage 1 focused on 'What makes families special?' and Key Stage 2 looked at Alan Turing and Anne Lister; the imp[act they made and the inequality they suffered.

All parents receive a letter prior to the school event so that there are opportunities for any parents to raise any queries they may have.  It was fantastic to see every pupil dressed individuality and all families supported our Diversity Day.  We look forward to celebrating Diversity Day again as a whole school event. 

Diversity is included across our curriculum and covers many aspects including the 9 protected characteristics. In 2021-2022 we have invested highly in new high-quality texts for pupils which can be viewed on our Curriculum section on the website. An example of these texts are: The Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah; The Papaya that spoke (An oral African folk tale) and Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. Across the curriculum for Art and Science we have also invested in focusing on Great Artists/Scientists including but not limited to: Katherine Johnson; Marie Curie as well as Dame Everlyn Glennie - a deaf percussionist. 

We celebrate differences and value each individual. This is supported through our annual whole school wheelchair basketball day; accessibility to after school clubs and visits by all our pupils regardless of disability/complex needs; various fundraising events; adaptations and reasonable adjustments under The Equality Act (2010); our focus on sustainable global development goals evidenced by stickers in floor books/pupils' work; supporting and respecting different faiths and religions and enabling our uniform policy to be neutral with the removal of gender related clothing/hairstyles. Our British Values promotion which also includes our weekly Picture News assembly and discussion supports eliminating discrimination and teaching children about different aspects of diversity.